Information delivery system for generating a data stream with a server system based on a content file received from a client device

ABSTRACT

An information delivery system, an information delivery method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method is used advantageously to deliver content stream data easily, reliably and inexpensively to the general users. A personal computer prepares a content file and an order form file using software provided by a center system, and transmits the prepared files to the center system over the Internet. Given the order form file from a customer device, the center system encodes a content file accordingly to generate content stream data and causes a moving picture delivery server to deliver the generated stream data to user terminals. This invention can be applied, among others, to systems for delivering content data over the Internet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/471,608, filed on Mar. 19, 2004, and is based upon and claims thebenefit of priority to International Application No. PCT/JP02/11754,filed on Nov. 12, 2002 and from the prior Japanese Patent ApplicationNos. 2001-345623 filed on Nov. 12, 2001, and 2002-170758 filed on Jun.12, 2002. The entire contents of each of these documents areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information delivery system, aninformation delivery method, an information processing apparatus, and aninformation processing method. More particularly, the invention relatesto an information delivery system, an information delivery method, aninformation processing apparatus, and an information processing methodfor delivering information easily, reliably, and inexpensively.

BACKGROUND ART

With the Internet coming into widespread use today, some televisionstations deliver part of their TV programs on a streaming basis over theInternet in addition to their traditional broadcasts using terrestrialor satellite links.

Besides the TV stations, some content providers deliver their owncontents (audio and visual) on the Internet in streaming fashion.

Where the content providers deliver streams of content data over theInternet, they are required to set up their own equipment manned bycompetent personnel for data format conversion. More specifically, AV(audio and visual) data picked up illustratively by on-site videocameras and AV data retrieved from such recording media as video tapesmust be converted by suitable equipment into content stream data in aformat ready for delivery over the Internet. Such stream data deliveryformats have turned out to be a costly, labor-intensive affair.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstancesand provides a system, an apparatus, and a method designed to offercontent stream data to the general users easily, reliably, andinexpensively.

In carrying out the invention and according to one aspect thereof, thereis provided an information delivery system wherein the center systemprovides the customer devices with software allowing each of thecustomer devices to perform necessary processing for transmitting thecontent data to the center system over the network; wherein, using thesoftware provided by the center system, each of the customer devicescompresses the content data using a predetermined format and transmitsthe compressed content data together with order information about anencoding format for the content data to the center system over thenetwork; and wherein the center system including a plurality of encodingdevices decompresses the compressed content data received from each ofthe customer devices, and causes one of the encoding devices whichcorresponds to the format designated by the order information in orderto generate the content stream for delivery to the terminals over thenetwork.

Each of the customer devices may preferably compress the content datausing an MPEG2 format and describe the order information in XML.

The customer devices may preferably transmit the order informationincluding delivery information about the delivery of the content streamto the center system over the network.

The delivery information may preferably include at least one of aninformation item designating a content delivery network, an informationitem designating an Internet service provider, an information itemdesignating a connection type of any of the terminals, an informationitem designating a delivery period, an information item designating adelivery time, and an information item designating an allowable deliverycount.

The center system may preferably transmit information necessary forgenerating the order information to the customer devices over thenetwork.

The center system may preferably bill the customer after the customerhas confirmed and accepted the content stream generated.

Each of the customer devices may preferably transmit to the centersystem over the network previously compressed content data together withthe order information about the encoding format for the content data,and the center system may preferably convert the previously compressedcontent data coming from each of the customer devices using apredetermined format.

The center system may preferably notify the customer of informationindicating a series of processes performed on the content data receivedfrom the customer device.

The center system preferably using an e-mail may notify the customer ofinformation about a series of processes performed on the content datareceived from the customer device.

The center system preferably using a Web page may notify the customer ofinformation about a series of processes performed on the content datareceived from the customer device.

The format designated by the order information may preferably include atleast one of Windows Media format, Real Media format, Quick Time format,Packet Video format, i-motion format, and ez movie format.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided aninformation delivery method for use with an information delivery system.The information delivery method may include the steps of: enabling thecenter system to provide the customer devices with software allowingeach of the customer devices to perform necessary processing fortransmitting the content data to the center system over the network;allowing each of the customer devices using the software provided by thecenter system to compress the content data using a predetermined formatand to transmit the compressed content data together with orderinformation about an encoding format for the content data to the centersystem over the network; and permitting the center system including aplurality of encoding devices to decompress the compressed content datareceived from each of the customer devices and to cause one of theencoding devices which corresponds to the format designated by the orderinformation in order to generate the content stream for delivery to theterminals over the network.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided afirst information processing apparatus. The first information processingapparatus may include a holding element for holding software afteracquiring the software from the center system, the software being neededto perform processing for transmitting the content data to the centersystem over the network; an acquiring element for acquiring the contentdata; a compressing element for compressing the content data acquired bythe acquiring element, by use of the software held by the holdingelement; a generating element for generating order information aboutencoding of the content data; and a requesting element for transmittingthe compressed content data and the generated order information to thecenter system over the network, thereby requesting the center system togenerate the content stream and to deliver the content stream to theterminals.

The compressing element may preferably compress the content data usingan MPEG2 format, and the generating element may preferably generate theorder information as a file described in XML.

The compressing element may preferably not compress the content data ifthe content data acquired by the acquiring element turn out to bepreviously compressed.

The generating element may preferably access the center system over thenetwork in order to acquire information necessary for generating theorder information.

The generating element may preferably generate the order informationincluding delivery information about the delivery of the content stream.

The delivery information may preferably include at least one of aninformation item designating a content delivery network, an informationitem designating an Internet service provider, an information itemdesignating a connection type of any of the terminals, an informationitem designating a delivery period, an information item designating adelivery time, and an information item designating an allowable deliverycount.

According to an even further aspect of the invention, there is provideda first information processing method. The first information processingmethod may include the steps of: holding software after acquiring thesoftware from the center system, the software being needed to performprocessing for transmitting the content data to the center system overthe network; acquiring the content data; compressing the content dataacquired in the acquiring step, by use of the software held in theholding step; generating order information about encoding of the contentdata; and transmitting the compressed content data and the generatedorder information to the center system over the network, therebyrequesting the center system to generate the content stream and todeliver the content stream to the terminals.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provideda program for a first recording medium. The program may include thesteps of: holding software after acquiring the software from the centersystem, the software being needed to perform processing for transmittingthe content data to the center system over the network; acquiring thecontent data; compressing the content data acquired in the acquiringstep, by use of the software held in the holding step; generating orderinformation about encoding of the content data; and transmitting thecompressed content data and the generated order information to thecenter system over the network, thereby requesting the center system togenerate the content stream and to deliver the content stream to theterminals.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided afirst program for use with a computer to carry out the steps of: holdingsoftware after acquiring the software from the center system, thesoftware being needed to perform processing for transmitting the contentdata to the center system over the network; acquiring the content data;compressing the content data acquired in the acquiring step, by use ofthe software held in the holding step; generating order informationabout encoding of the content data; and transmitting the compressedcontent data and the generated order information to the center systemover the network, thereby requesting the center system to generate thecontent stream and to deliver the content stream to the terminals.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a secondinformation processing apparatus. The second information processingapparatus may include a providing element for providing the customerdevices with software allowing each of the customer devices to performnecessary processing for transmitting the content data to the centersystem over the network; a receiving element for receiving the contentdata and order information about encoding of the content data from thecustomer devices over the network, the content data having beencompressed using a predetermined format and transmitted by each of thecustomer devices using the software provided by the providing element; adecompressing element for decompressing the content data received incompressed form by the receiving element; an encoding element forgenerating the content stream by encoding the content data decompressedby the decompressing element, using a format designated by the orderinformation received by the receiving element; and a delivering elementfor delivering the content stream generated by the encoding element tothe terminals over the network.

The decompressing element may preferably decompress the compressedcontent data using an MPEG2 format, and the encoding element maypreferably generate the content stream by encoding the decompressedcontent data in the format designated by the order information describedin XML.

The second information processing apparatus of this invention mayfurther include a converting element for converting the compressedcontent data received by the receiving element, using a predeterminedformat.

The providing element may preferably provide any of the customer devicesgaining access over the network with information necessary forgenerating the order information.

The order information may preferably include delivery information aboutthe delivery of the content stream, and the delivering element maypreferably deliver the content stream encoded by the encoding element tothe terminals over the network.

The delivery information may preferably include at least one of aninformation item designating a content delivery network, an informationitem designating an Internet service provider, an information itemdesignating a connection type of any of the terminals, an informationitem designating a delivery period, an information item designating adelivery time, and an information item designating an allowable deliverycount.

The second information processing apparatus of this invention mayfurther include a notifying element for notifying the customer ofinformation indicating a series of processes performed on the contentdata received from the customer device.

The notifying element preferably using an e-mail may notify the customerof information about a series of processes performed on the content datareceived from the customer device.

The notifying element preferably using a Web page may notify thecustomer of information about a series of processes performed on thecontent data received from the customer device.

The format designated by the order information may preferably include atleast one of Windows Media format, Real Media format, Quick Time format,Packet Video format, i-motion format, and ez movie format.

The second information processing apparatus of this invention mayfurther include a billing element for billing the customer after thecustomer has confirmed and accepted the content stream generated by theencoding element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided asecond information processing method. The second information processingmethod may include the steps of: providing the customer devices withsoftware allowing each of the customer devices to perform necessaryprocessing for transmitting the content data to the informationprocessing apparatus over the network; receiving the content data andorder information about encoding of the content data from the customerdevices over the network, the content data having been compressed usinga predetermined format and transmitted by each of the customer devicesusing the software provided in the providing step; decompressing thecontent data received in compressed form in the receiving step; encodingthe content data decompressed in the decompressing step using a formatdesignated by the order information received in the receiving step,thereby generating the content stream; and delivering the content streamgenerated in the encoding step to the terminals over the network.

According to an even further aspect of the invention, there is provideda program for a second recording medium. The program may include thesteps of: providing the customer devices with software allowing each ofthe customer devices to perform necessary processing for transmittingthe content data to the information processing apparatus over thenetwork; receiving the content data and order information about encodingof the content data from the customer devices over the network, thecontent data having been compressed using a predetermined format andtransmitted by each of the customer devices using the software providedin the providing step; decompressing the content data received incompressed form in the receiving step; encoding the content datadecompressed in the decompressing step using a format designated by theorder information received in the receiving step, thereby generating thecontent stream; and delivering the content stream generated in theencoding step to the terminals over the network.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provideda second program to carry out the steps of: providing the customerdevices with software allowing each of the customer devices to performnecessary processing for transmitting the content data to theinformation processing apparatus over the network; receiving the contentdata and order information about encoding of the content data from thecustomer devices over the network, the content data having beencompressed using a predetermined format and transmitted by each of thecustomer devices using the software provided in the providing step;decompressing the content data received in compressed form in thereceiving step; encoding the content data decompressed in thedecompressing step using a format designated by the order informationreceived in the receiving step, thereby generating the content stream;and delivering the content stream generated in the encoding step to theterminals over the network.

Where the information delivery system and the information deliverymethod of this invention are in use, the center system initiallyprovides the customer devices with suitable software. Using the softwareprovided by the center system, each of the customer devices compressescontent data based on a predetermined format and transmits thecompressed content data to the center system over the network togetherwith the order information about the format in which to encode thecontent data. In turn, the center system decompresses the compressedcontent data coming from each of the customer devices, generates acontent data stream by encoding the decompressed content data in theformat designated by the order information, and delivers the generateddata stream to the terminals over the network.

Where the first information processing apparatus, the first informationprocessing method, and the first program of this invention are in use,software necessary for transmitting content data to the center systemover the network is first acquired from the center system. When contentdata are acquired, they are compressed by use of the acquired software.The compressed content data are transmitted to the center system overthe network along with the order information about encoding of thecontent data, whereby the center system is requested to generate acontent data stream and to deliver the generated content stream to theterminals.

Where the second information processing apparatus, the secondinformation processing method, and the second program of this inventionare in use, suitable software is first provided to the customer devices.Using the software thus provided, each of the customer devicescompresses content data based on a predetermined format and transmitsthe compressed content data over the network together with the orderinformation about encoding of the content data. When the compressedcontent data and the order information are received, the compressedcontent data are decompressed and encoded in the format designated bythe received order information, whereby a content data stream isgenerated and delivered to the plurality of terminals over the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a typical configuration of aninformation delivery system embodying this invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a personal computer in the system of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an encoding system in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a first typical structure of amoving picture delivery server in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a second typical structure of themoving picture delivery server in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of steps constituting a software delivery processperformed by the information delivery system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of steps constituting a software reception processcarried out by the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of steps constituting a content file preparationprocess executed by the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a typical display based on data acquiredin step S53 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a typical display based on data acquiredin step S53 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of steps constituting a content file receptionprocess performed by the information processing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of steps constituting a content stream datadelivery process carried out by the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing typical transition of Web pagesprovided by a Web server in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view depicting a typical display of a loginscreen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating a typical display of a progresscheck screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view indicating a typical display of a contentacceptance screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view exhibiting another typical display of thecontent acceptance screen in FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view presenting a typical display of a fileoperation screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view sketching a typical display of an order formassignment screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view picturing another typical display of theorder form setting screen in FIG. 13;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a typical display of a basic settingscreen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view depicting a typical display of an encodingdetail setting screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating a typical display of anotherencoding detail setting screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view indicating a typical display of anotherencoding detail setting screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view presenting a typical display of anotherencoding detail setting screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view exhibiting a typical display of anotherencoding detail setting screen included in FIG. 13;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view sketching a typical display of anotherencoding detail setting screen included in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing a typical display of anotherencoding detail setting screen included in FIG. 13.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a typical configuration of an information delivery systemembodying this invention. In this system, a plurality (three in thisexample) of customer devices 2-1 through 2-3, a plurality (four in thisexample) of user terminals 3-1 through 3-4, and a center system 4 areconnected to the Internet 1 utilized as a network.

The customer devices 2-1 through 2-3 include capture units 11-1 through11-3 and personal computers 12-1 through 12-3 on a one-to-onecorresponding basis.

In the description that follows, the customer devices 2-1 through 2-3will be referred to generically as the customer device 2, the captureunits 11-1 through 11-3 as the capture unit 11, and the personalcomputers 12-1 through 12-3 as the personal computer 12 where there isno specific need for distinction therebetween.

The capture unit 11 is illustratively constituted by a video camera or avideo recorder. It supplies the personal computer 12 with AV data or thelike for use as material in generating content stream data that will bedelivered to the user terminals 3-1 through 3-4 (the supplied data willbe called the material data hereunder).

The personal computer 12 controls the capture unit 11 and, given thematerial data from the capture unit 11, generates a content file bycompressing the received material data using a predetermined format(MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group Phase 2) for this embodiment)suitable for data transfer on the Internet 1. The content file thusgenerated is transmitted to the center system 4 over the Internet 1.

The material data fed from the capture unit 1 to the personal computer12 may already have been compressed in accordance with a predeterminedformat (MPEG2 in this example). In such a case, the material data may betransmitted directly as a content file to the center system 4 over theInternet 1.

The material data supplied from the capture unit 1 to the personalcomputer 12 may have been compressed using a format different from thepredetermined one above (e.g., AVI (Audio Video Interleaved) format). Inthat case, too, the material data may be used unchanged as a contentfile that is transmitted to the center system 4 over the Internet 1.

The center system 4 has a gateway 21 that controls data output and inputto and from the Internet 1. A Web server 22 in the center system 4provides relevant information to the customer device 2 through thegateway 21 and over the Internet 1. The provided information includes:information about encoding of the content file, and information aboutWeb pages necessary for preparing an order form file that describesdelivery conditions of content stream data.

If a content file encoding process is interrupted by some error, or whenthe upload of generated content stream data to a moving picture deliveryserver 25 is completed, the Web server 22 sends an e-mail to thecustomer device 2 through the gateway 21 and over the Internet 1notifying the customer device 2 of what has taken place. Where thecontent file encoding process is halted by some error, the Web server 22also transmits e-mail of the same nature to the administrator of thecenter system 4.

The Web server 22 provides the customer device 2 with furtherinformation: status of progress of the content file encoding process,status of transfer of the generated content stream data to the movingpicture delivery server 25, information about the Web pages indicating ahistory of requests from the customer device 2, and other subjects. Thestatus and information are sent through the gateway 21 and over theInternet 1 to the customer device 2.

When the customer device 2 gains access to the center system 4 via theInternet 1, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server 23 receives a contentfile and an order form file from the customer device 2 through thegateway 21. The received files are forwarded to an encoding system 24.

The encoding system 24 supplies the Web server 22 with information aboutthe Web pages needed by the customer device 2 in preparing an order formfile. Given a content file from the customer device 2 by way of the FTPserver 23, the encoding system 24 generates content stream data byencoding the received file based on the order form file corresponding tothe content file, and sends the generated stream data to the movingpicture delivery server 25. In turn, the moving picture delivery server25 stores the content stream data from the encoding system 24 anddelivers the stream data in a suitably timed manner to the userterminals 3-1 through 3-4 over the Internet 1. Detailed structures ofthe moving picture delivery server 25 will be discussed later withreference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 2 depicts a typical structure of the personal computer 12 includedin the system of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41carries out various processes in accordance with programs held in a ROM(Read Only Memory) 42 or with programs loaded into a RAM (Random AccessMemory) 43 from a storage unit 48. The RAM 43 also retains data neededfor the CPU 41 to perform its processes.

The CPU 41, ROM 42, and RAM 43 are interconnected by a bus 44. The bus44 is also connected to an I/O interface 45.

The I/O interface 45 is connected with the following units: an inputunit 46 such as a keyboard and a mouse; a display made of a CRT (CathodeRay Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like; an output unit47 composed of speakers and related components; a storage unit 48 suchas a hard disc drive; and a communication unit 49 constituted by amodem, a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, and others. The communicationunit 49 conducts communications over networks including the Internet 1.

The I/O interface 45 is connected with drives 50 as needed. The drives50, when loaded with a magnetic disc 61, an optical disc 62, amagneto-optical disc 63, and/or a semiconductor memory 64, retrievecomputer programs therefrom and load them into the storage unit 48 foruse as needed.

The user terminals 3-1 through 3-4 are each composed of a personalcomputer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a mobile telephone(including PHS). In the description that follows, the user terminals 3-1through 3-4 will be referred to generically as the user terminal 3 wherethere is no specific need for distinction therebetween.

If the user terminal 3 is made of a personal computer, then thestructure of the terminal is basically the same as that shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows a typical structure of the encoding system 24. The encodingsystem 24 includes a control unit 81 composed illustratively of amicrocomputer. The control unit 81 controls the overall performance ofthe encoding system 24. A database 82 connected to the control unit 81holds content files fed from the FTP server 23 and order form filesassociated with the content files. A communication unit 83, connected tothe control unit 81 via a bus 80, conducts communications with the FTPserver 23, Web server 22, and moving picture delivery server 25.

A decoder 84 decompresses (i.e., decodes) using a predetermined format(MPEG2 with this embodiment) the content file supplied in compressedform from the customer device 2, whereby the original material data arerestored.

The encoding system 24 has a plurality (five in this example) ofencoders 85-1 through 85-5. Each of the encoders 85-1 through 85-5encodes the restored material data in any of a variety of formatssuitable for data delivery over the Internet 1. The encoding processgenerates content stream data.

The variety of formats illustratively include: Real Media format,Windows Media format, Quick Time format, Packet Video format, i-motionformat, and ez movie format (all registered trademarks).

The content stream data encoded in Real Media format, Windows Mediaformat, or Quick Time format are targeted illustratively for the userterminal 3 constituted by a personal computer.

The content stream data encoded in Packet Video format or i-motionformat are targeted illustratively for the user terminal 3 made of NTTDoCoMo's next-generation mobile telephone “forma.” The content streamdata encoded in ez movie format are targeted illustratively for the userterminal 3 composed of an au (KIID) mobile telephone.

For example, the encoder 85-1 generates the content data stream byencoding the restored material data in Real Media format; the encoder85-2 generates the content data stream by encoding the restored materialdata in Windows Media format; the encoder 85-3 generates the contentdata stream by encoding the restored material data in Quick Time format;the encoder 85-4 generates the content data stream by encoding therestored material data in Packet Video format; and the encoder 85-5generates the content stream data by encoding the restored material datain ez movie format.

The number of encoders 85 may be increased as needed to have therestored material data encoded in a growing number of formats. Thismakes it possible to generate the content stream data in as many formatsas desired.

Drives 86 are loaded with a magnetic disc 91, an optical disc 92, amagneto-optical disc 93, and/or a semiconductor memory 94, retrievecomputer programs and data from the loaded medium, and supply them tothe control unit 81 for use as needed.

Where a compressed content file coming from the customer device 2 isfound to have been previously compressed by a format (e.g., AVI) otherthan the predetermined one (MPEG2 in this example), a converter 87converts the content file to the format of the predetermined format(MPEG2). This conversion process will be called the preprocesshereunder. Alternatively, the content file compressed by some otherformat may be decompressed according to the format in question insteadof being converted to the predetermined format. The alternative stepalso provides the restored material data.

FIG. 4 depicts a first typical structure of the moving picture deliveryserver 25. In the first structure example, a communication unit 112 anda control unit 113 are connected by means of a bus 111. Thecommunication unit 112 conducts communications over the Internet 1. Acontrol unit 113 is constituted illustratively by a microcomputer andcontrols various processes carried out by the moving picture deliveryserver 25. A database 114 connected to the controller 113 hascustomer-specific areas 115-1 through 115-3 that hold the content streamdata generated on the basis of the content files sent from the customerdevices 2-1 through 2-3.

Where there is no specific need to distinguish the customer-specificareas 115-1 through 115-3 from one another, they will be referred togenerically as the customer-specific area 115 hereunder.

The customer-specific area 115 includes format-specific areas 1 through5. Each of the format-specific areas retains content stream datagenerated in accordance with a different order form file.

For example, the format-specific area 1 holds the content stream dataencoded in Real Media format; the format-specific area 2 holds thecontent stream data encoded in Windows Media format; format-specificarea 3 holds the content stream data encoded in Quick Time format;format-specific area 4 holds the content stream data encoded in PacketVideo format; and the format-specific area 5 holds the content streamdata encoded in ez movie format.

Where the number of encoders 85 in the encoding system 24 is increasedso as to deal with a growing number of formats in which to generatecontent stream data, the number of format-specific areas is to be raisedcorrespondingly to accommodate the content stream data in the additionalformats.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second typical structure of the moving picturedelivery server 25. In the second structure example, the moving picturedelivery server 25 is made up of a plurality of servers managed by aplurality of Internet Service Providers (ISP). The moving picturedelivery server 25 is connected via the Internet 1 to an originalcontent management server 151 that manages content stream datatransferred from the encoding system 24.

Illustratively, an Internet service provider a manages Content DeliveryNetworks (CDN) A and B. The content delivery network A is made up of aCDN management server 141 and a plurality (two in this example) of cacheservers 142 and 143. The CDN management server 141 stores the contentstream data sent from the original content management server 151. Thecache servers 142 and 143 hold copies of the content stream data.

The CDN management server 141 and the cache servers 142 and 143 eachhave basically the same structure as the first structure example of themoving picture delivery server 25. Content delivery networks B, C, and Dare each structured in the same manner as the content delivery networkA.

The content delivery networks A through D are distinguished from oneanother according to such factors as the service areas of the Internetservice providers, the type of the user terminal 3 connected (e.g.,personal computer, mobile telephone, etc.), and the telephone company ifthe user terminal 3 is a mobile telephone.

The moving picture delivery server 25 is capable of identifying adifferent connection type of the user terminal 3 as it is connected withthe CDN management server 141 and the cache servers 142 and 143. Typicalconnection types include dial-up narrowband connections using a modem ora terminal adapter, and broadband connections such as ADSL (AsymmetricDigital Subscriber Line) and FTTH (Fiber To The Home).

The original content server 151 transmits content stream data anddelivery conditions to the CDN management server 141 covering any one ofthe content delivery networks A through D, which is applicable to thedelivery conditions designated by the customer.

For example, if the delivery conditions include an item designating aspecific service area, then the original content management server 151transmits the content stream data and the delivery conditions only tothe CDN management server 141 covering the content delivery networkserving the area specified by the delivery contentions.

The CDN management server 141 places content stream data in keeping withthe areas and connection types handled by the cache servers 142 and 143lower in the hierarchy of the moving picture delivery server 25.

Where the content stream data have delivery conditions with a specificdelivery period and time designated therein, the data are delivered tothe user terminal 3 upon request only at the date and time correspondingto the delivery conditions.

The CDN server 141, upon receipt of a content stream data deliveryrequest from the user terminal 3, guides the terminal 3 during thelatter's access attempt toward the cache server (142, 143) that meetsthe delivery conditions such as a delivery period and time. The processof guiding the user terminal 3 toward the cache server may be taken overby an externally established undistributing server.

In this information delivery system, the center system 4 deliverssoftware for use by each personal computer 12 to the customer device 2over the Internet 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of steps constituting asoftware delivery process performed by the center system 4 in deliveringthe software to the personal computer 12 of the customer device 2 viathe Internet 1.

The software delivery process is started when the customer device 2gains access to the center system 4 over the Internet 1 and requestsdelivery of relevant software therefrom.

In step S11 of FIG. 6, the center system 4 transmits the software to thecustomer device 2. More specifically, the control unit 81 of theencoding system 24 retrieves from the database 82 the software needed bythe personal computer 12 in encoding material data into a content fileand in generating an order form file including order information forencoding the content data into content stream data. The retrievedsoftware is fed to the communication unit 83 via the bus 80. In turn,the communication unit 83 forwards the software to the FTP server 23.The FTP server 23 transmits the software received from the encodingsystem 24 to the customer device 2 through the gateway 21 and over theInternet 1.

In step S12, the control unit 81 reads from the database 82 a user IDand a password assigned to the customer at the customer device 2 andcauses the communication unit 83 to output the retrieved user ID andpassword to the FTP server 23. As in step S11 above, the FTP server 23transmits the user ID and password to the customer device 2 through thegateway 21 and over the Internet 1.

In response to the software delivery process carried out as describedabove, the personal computer 12 of the customer device 2 performs thesteps shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7.

In step S31, the CPU 41 receives the software transmitted over theInternet 1 by the center system 4 (in step S11 of FIG. 6). In step S32,the CPU 41 transfers the received software to the storage unit 48 forstorage therein.

In step S33, the CPU 41 receives through the communication unit 49 theuser ID and password transmitted by the center system 4 (in step S12 ofFIG. 6). In step S34, the CPU 41 sends the received user ID and passwordto the storage unit 48 for storage therein.

With the software stored in the storage unit 48 as described, theoperator of the customer device 2 may enter an order through the inputunit 46 designating preparation of a content file. In that case, the CPU41 reads suitable software necessary for the content file preparationprocess from the storage unit 48 and loads the retrieved software intothe RAM 43. In accordance with the software loaded in the RAM 43, theCPU 41 executes the process of content file preparation shown in theflowchart of FIG. 8.

Before the content file preparation process is started, anauthentication process takes place between the customer device 2 and thecenter system 4. The authentication process is carried out based on theuser ID and password retained by the customer device 2 in step S34 ofFIG. 7 as well as on the user ID and password held by the FTP server 23or Web server 22.

In step S51 of FIG. 8, the CPU 41 acquires material data with which toprepare the content stream data to be delivered to the user terminal 3.More specifically, the operator operates the input unit 46 to acquirethe material data from the capture unit 11 (e.g., to obtain AV data froma video camera acting as the capture unit 11) and to feed the acquireddata to the personal computer 12. Given the material data through thecommunication unit 49, the CPU 41 forwards the received data to thestorage unit 48 for storage therein.

In step S52, the CPU 41 causes the communication unit 49 to access awebsite for order form preparation. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator)of the website is included in the software provided by the center system4.

In step S53, the CPU 41 acquires data necessary for preparing an orderform file from the order form preparation website thus accessed, andoutputs the acquired data to the output unit 47 for display.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show examples, displayed on the output unit 47, of thedata for preparing an order form file.

In the example of FIG. 9, an input field 201 indicates order form models1 through 4 furnished in advance. The operator of the personal computer12 may select any one of the multiple (four in this example) order formmodels so as to prepare an order form file with ease. Each order fromfile model contains default values of various parameters.

An input field 202 shows information for selecting material data withwhich to generate the content stream data for delivery (e.g., theinformation includes titles given to the material data previously storedin the personal computer 12). Sources 1 through 5 indicatedillustratively in the input field 202 are titles given to the materialdata, which were acquired from the capture unit 11 in step S51 and whichare currently stored in the storage unit 48. The operator may operatethe input unit 46 to select a desired title from the input field 202,whereby the material data with which to generate the target contentstream data may be readily selected.

An input field 203 permits entry of in-point information designating thestarting position of a data portion targeted for delivery out of theselected material data. An input field 204 accommodates entry ofout-point information specifying the ending position of the targetmaterial data portion to be delivered. The operator operates the inputunit 46 to input hours, minutes, seconds, and frame numbers specifyingthe in-point and out-point.

A delivery condition setting button 205 is clicked on when it is desiredillustratively to display a screen in which to enter the settings of anInternet service provider providing a content stream data deliveryservice to the user at the user terminal 3. With the delivery conditionsetting button 205 clicked on by the operator, a screen such as oneshown in FIG. 10 appears on the display of the output unit 47 attachedto the personal computer 12.

In the display example of FIG. 10, an input field 211 indicatespreviously registered content delivery networks α, β, and γ. Theoperator of the personal computer 12 may select any one of the multiplecontent delivery networks from the input field 211 thereby to selectthose servers for content stream data delivery, which apply to theselected content delivery network.

An input field 212 shows previously registered Internet serviceproviders A through D. The operator of the personal computer 12 mayselect any one of the multiple Internet service providers from the inputfield 212 so as to select those servers for content stream datadelivery, which apply to the selected Internet service provider.

In this respect, the original server 141 and cache server 142 may beselected as the preferred servers for delivering the content streamdata.

An input field 213 indicates different connection types of the userterminal 3 applicable where the terminal is connected to the Internet 1.The operator of the personal computer 12 may select any one of themultiple connection types from the input field 213 thereby to designatethe manner in which the user terminal 3 is to be connected to theInternet 1.

The multiple connection types shown in the input field 213 mayadditionally include broadband and narrowband connections.

An input field 214 permits entry of a date on which to start the contentstream data delivery service. An input field 215 accommodates entry of adate on which to end the delivery service. An input field 216 enablesentry of a time at which to start the delivery service. An input field217 admits entry of a time at which to end the delivery service. Theoperator may operate the input unit 46 to input desired values into theinput fields 214 through 217 to specify when to implement the contentstream data delivery service.

An input field 218 permits entry of a maximum allowable delivery count,i.e., the maximum number of times the same content stream data areallowed to be delivered to the same user terminal 3. The operator of thepersonal computer 12 may operate the input unit 46 to enter a desiredmaximum allowable delivery count into the input field 218, therebydesignating up to how many times the same content stream data may bedelivered to the same user terminal 3.

An input field 219 shows geographical areas registered in advance as theareas where content stream data may be delivered. The operator of thepersonal computer 12 may select any one of the multiple areas from theinput field 219 so as to specify where the content stream data deliveryservice is to be implemented.

An input field 220 permits entry of a delivery speed at which to delivercontent stream data. The operator of the personal computer 12 may inputa desired delivery speed to make sure that the content stream data arefed only to the servers guaranteeing the entered delivery speed.

The operator of the personal computer 12 need not to enter settings orchoices in all of the input fields 211 through 220. Only those inputfields that apply to the items of interest may be addressed selectively.

Returning to FIG. 8, suppose that the operator has finished making thenecessary entries in the input fields. In that case, step S54 is reachedin which the CPU 41 prepares an order form file in XML (Extensive MarkupLanguage) reflecting the settings entered by the operator (i.e., an XMLfile is prepared).

In step S55, the CPU 41 extracts a data portion (range) identified bythe in-point and out-point designated in the input fields 203 and 204,from the material data selected in the input field 202 of FIG. 9. Instep S56, the CPU 41 compresses (i.e., encodes) the partial materialdata extracted in step S55 by use of the MPEG2 format to generate acontent file. A program for compressing content data as per MPEG2 formatis included in the software delivered by the center system 4 to thecustomer device 2. That means the customer device 2 need not be equippedwith its own MPEG2 encoder.

In step S57, the CPU 41 transmits the order form file (XML file)prepared in step S54 and the content file (MPEG2 file) generated in stepS56 to the center system 4 through the communication unit 49 and overthe Internet 1.

Described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 is a typicalprocess of content file reception performed by the center system 4 inconjunction with the content file preparation process carried out by thecustomer device 1 as described above.

In step S71 of FIG. 11, the Web server 22 of the center system 4,accessed by the customer device 2 in step S52 of FIG. 8, reads data fororder form file preparation from storage and transmits the retrieveddata to the accessing customer device 2 through the gateway 21 and overthe Internet 1.

Given the data for order form preparation, the personal computer 12 ofthe customer device 2 generates the order form file in the mannerdescribed above and sends the generated order form file to the centersystem 4 together with the content file.

In step S72, the FTP server 23 receives the order form file and contentfile from the customer device 2 through the gateway 21 and over theInternet 1, and forwards the received files to the encoding system 24.In step S73, the control unit 81 of the encoding system 24 receives theorder form file and content file through the communication unit 83following transmission by the customer device 2, and associates the twofiles before sending them to the database 82 for storage.

Because the content file is compressed in MPEG2 format, the time to sendthe file over the Internet 1 is significantly reduced. The storagecapacity taken up by such content files in the database 82 is alsoreduced thanks to the compressed nature of the files.

In step S74, the control unit 81 supplies the decoder 84 with thecontent file placed into the database 82 for storage in step S73. Inturn, the decoder 84 decompresses (i.e., decodes) the content file inMPEG2 format to restore the material data. The restored material dataare again recorded to the database 82.

In step S75, the control unit 81 encodes the material data restored instep S74 on the basis of what is designated in the order form fileplaced in the database 82 for storage in step S73, whereby contentstream data are generated.

More specifically, if the order form file specifies that the materialdata be encoded in the format assigned to the encoder 85-1, the controlunit 81 supplies the material data to the encoder 85-1 and causes theencoder in question to encode the data in accordance with the detailedparameters designated, thus generating the content stream data.Likewise, if the order file specifies that the material data be encodedin the formats assigned to the encoders 85-4 and 85-5, the control unit81 feeds the material data to the two encoders and causes them to encodethe data in keeping with the detailed parameters designated, therebygenerating the content stream data.

In step S76, the content stream data thus generated are presented to andaccepted by the operator of the customer device 2. Specifically, theoperator reproduces the content stream data for confirmation and acceptsthe billing for the service rendered to the customer device 2. With thecontent stream data accepted by the customer device 2, step S77 isreached in which the center system 4 bills the customer device 2 for theservice rendered.

How the generated content stream data are accepted and how the customeris billed will be discussed later in more detail.

In step S78, the content stream data accepted by the customer device 2in step S76 are transferred to the moving picture delivery server 25 forstorage. More specifically, the control unit 81 takes the content streamdata generated by the encoders 85-1 through 85-5 and transfers the datathrough the communication unit 83 to the moving picture delivery server25 for storage therein. The control unit 81 also sends the order formfile containing delivery condition information to the moving picturedelivery server 25 for storage.

Upon receipt of the content stream data from the encoding system 24through the communication unit 112, the control unit 113 of the movingpicture delivery server 25 forwards the received data to the database114 for storage. As shown in FIG. 4, the database 114 includes thecustomer-specific areas 115-1 through 115-3 corresponding to thecustomer devices 2-1 through 2-3. In this makeup, the content streamdata for the customer devices 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 are placed into thecustomer-specific areas 115-1, 115-2, and 115-3 respectively forstorage. In each customer-specific area 115, the content stream data arefurther classified into the format-specific areas 1 through 5 forstorage depending on the designated format.

In step S79, the Web server 22 of the center system 4 transmits ane-mail through the gateway 21 to the corresponding customer device 2over the Internet 1 notifying the operator at the customer device 2 thatthe content stream data have been transferred to the moving picturedelivery server 25 designated in the order form file. On receiving thee-mail, the operator of the customer device 2 can readily confirm thatthe content stream data have indeed been transferred to the specifiedmoving picture delivery server 25.

When the content stream data have been stored into the moving picturedelivery server 25 as described above, the server 25 carries out thesteps shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 in suitably timed fashion.

In step S91 of FIG. 12, the control unit 113 of the moving picturedelivery server 25 checks to see if the current date and time coincidewith the date and time designated in the delivery conditions. If thecoincidence is ascertained, then the control unit 113 retrieves thecontent stream data from the database 114. In step S92, the control unit113 causes the communication unit 112 to deliver the content stream dataretrieved in step S91 to the user terminal 3 over the Internet 1.

In this setup, the user terminal 3 getting the content stream data maybe a terminal previously registered with the center system 4 or may be aterminal that happens to have gained access to the center system 4. Theuser terminal 3 may alternatively be any terminal that complies with thedelivery conditions in effect (e.g., located in a specific geographicalarea and connected in a suitable manner).

In step S93, the moving picture delivery server 25 acquires from theuser terminal 3 such information as the bit rate and frame count of thecontent stream actually received by the terminal 3, and notifies thecenter system 4 of the acquired information. Given the information, thecenter system 4 determines accordingly the amount of the billing to theuser of the user terminal 3.

For example, if the bit rate, frame count, and other pieces ofinformation about the content stream actually received by the userterminal 3 are found to be the same as those of the delivered contentstream, then the user will be charged with the full amount for theservice rendered. If the information about the actually received contentstream indicates significantly degraded reception status, then thebilled amount may be reduced or the billing may be renounced outright.

What follows is a description of the Web pages showing the status ofprogress of the encoding process on the content file provided by the Webserver 22 to the customer device 2 through the gateway 21 over theInternet 1, and a history of requests from the customer device 2.

FIG. 13 schematically shows typical transition of the Web pages ineffect after the customer device 2 has accessed the Web server 22. Uponaccess to the Web server 22, a login screen 301 first appears on thecustomer device 2. A user ID and other data are then input onto thelogin screen 302 for authentication. The authentication, when completed,is followed by a progress check screen 302 permitting confirmation ofthe status of progress of the encoding process on a content file.

In keeping with the operator's operation, the progress check screen 302is followed by a content acceptance screen 303 permitting acceptance ofcontent stream data, an order form assignment screen 304 on which toestablish order file assignments, an order form setting screen 305 onwhich to modify order file contents, or a basic setting screen 306 onwhich to change the password and other settings.

Transition can be effected as needed between all screens ranging fromthe progress check screen 302 to the basic setting screen 306.

The progress check screen 302 or content acceptance screen 303 may befollowed by a file operation screen 307 through which generated contentstream data are uploaded to a desired server. Control may be passed fortransition from the file operation screen 307 to any one of the screensranging from the progress check screen 302 to the basic setting screen306.

The order form setting screen 305 may be followed by any one of encodingdetail setting screens 308-1 through 308-7 on which to set detailedparameters to be included in the order form file regarding the encodingof a content file. Control may be passed for transition from any one ofthe encoding detail setting screens 308-1 through 308-7 to the orderform setting screen 305.

FIG. 14 shows a typical display of the login screen 301. The loginscreen 301 includes an input field 311 for entry of a user ID, an inputfield 312 for entry of a password, and a login button 313 that isoperated upon login.

FIG. 15 depicts a typical display of the progress check screen 302. Theprogress check screen 302 includes: a “check progress” button 321 thatmay be operated for transition to the progress check screen 302; an“accept content” button 322 operable for transition to the contentacceptance screen 303; an “assign order forms” button 323 operable fortransition to the order form assignment screen 304; a “set order forms”button 324 operable for transition to the order form setting screen 305;a “basic settings” button 325 operable for transition to the basicsetting screen 306; a “help” button 326 operable for transition to ahelp screen; and a “logout” button 327 operable for logout.

It should be noted that the “check progress” button 321 appearsinoperable on the progress check screen 302.

The operator of the customer device 2 may operate any one of the buttonsfrom the “accept content” button 322 to the “basic settings” button 325for transition to the desired screen.

The progress check screen 302 includes: a “processing” item showingbuttons that may be operated each to designate subsequent processing ona given content file; an “acceptance” item indicating whether or noteach content file is accepted; a “starting date and time” item showingthe date and time at which each content file was transferred to thecenter system 4; an “ending date and time” item showing the date andtime at which content stream data were generated following the encodingof each content file; a “content file name” item indicating content filenames; a “format” item indicating the formats of various encodingprocesses; a “content stream data name” item indicating the names ofgenerated content stream data; a “set name” item showing the names ofdetailed settings for each encoding process; and a “time” itemindicating the reproduction times of generated content stream data.

For a content file on which the encoding process has yet to be complete,the “processing” item displays a “cancel” button 341 that may beoperated to cancel the process. While the encoding process is underwayon a given content file, the “ending date and time” item gives aprogress status display regarding the file in question.

When the encoding process is complete on a given content file but thegenerated content stream data have yet to be accepted, the “processing”item displays an “accept” button 342 operable for transition to thecontent acceptance screen 303 and the “acceptance” item displays anindication “not yet.”

When the encoding process on a given content file is complete and thegenerated content stream data have been accepted, the “processing” itemcorresponding to the file in question displays an “operate file” button343. Activating the “operate file” button 343 brings about transition tothe file operation screen 307.

On the progress check screen 302, the operator of the customer device 2may look at the indications under the “ending date and time” item tocheck the progress status of encoding processes. Operating the “accept”button 342 executes transition to the content acceptance screen 303, andactivating the “operate file” button 343 brings about transition to thefile operation screen 307.

FIG. 16 shows a typical display of the content acceptance screen 303. Asillustrated, the content acceptance screen 303 also includes the buttonsranging from the “check progress” button 321 to the “logout” button 327described above. It should be noted that the “accept content” button 322appears inoperable on the content acceptance screen 303.

The content acceptance screen 303 includes: a “selection” itemdisplaying check boxes 351 that may be checked each to select thecontent stream data yet to be accepted; a “reproduce for check” itemindicating “reproduce” buttons 353 operable each for reproducing contentstream data for confirmation; a “starting date and time” item showingthe date and time at which each content file was transferred to thecenter system 4; an “ending date and time” item showing the date andtime at which content stream data were generated following the encodingof each content file; a “content file name” item indicating content filenames; a “format” item indicating the formats of various encodingprocesses; a “content stream data name” item indicating the names ofgenerated content stream data; a “set name” item showing the names ofdetailed settings for each encoding process; a “time” item indicatingthe reproduction times of generated content stream data; and a “size”item showing the data sizes of content stream data.

Furthermore, the content acceptance screen 303 includes another threebuttons: a “select all” button 352 that may be operated to check all thecheck boxes 351 displayed under the “selection” item regarding allcontent stream data; an “accept” button 354 operated to designate theacceptance of the content stream data selected by checking any of thecheck boxes 351; and a “delete” button 356 operated not to accept but todelete the content stream data selected by checking any of the checkboxes 351.

Operating the “accept” button 354 causes the content acceptance screen303 to display a dialog window 361 in an overlaid manner as shown inFIG. 17, so that the execution of the acceptance step may be verified.The dialog window 361 has two buttons: an “OK” button 362 operated toconfirm the total reproduction time of the content stream data to beaccepted, the billed amount resulting from acceptance of the contentstream data, and the acceptance of the service rendered; and a “cancel”button 363 operable for canceling the acceptance.

The billed amount submitted to the customer device 2 is determined onthe basis of the time it takes to reproduce the generated content streamdata. The amount may be increased if the encoding of the data has beencompleted in a shorter time than normal, or may be reduced if theencoding lasted longer than normal.

The content stream data are accepted on the content acceptance screen303 as follows: the operator of the customer device 2 checks the checkbox 351 corresponding to the content stream data to be accepted andoperates the “accept” button 354. This causes the dialog window 361 toappear. Operating the “OK” button 362 on the dialog window 361 allowsthe content stream data to be accepted. In conjunction with theseoperations, steps S76 and S77 of FIG. 11 discussed above are carriedout.

FIG. 18 shows a typical display of the file operation screen 307. Thefile operation screen 307 also has the buttons ranging from the “checkprogress” button 321 to the “logout” button 327.

The file operation screen 307 includes: a “selection” item displayingcheck boxes 371 that may be checked each to select the content streamdata accepted but not uploaded yet to the moving picture delivery server25; an “acceptance date and time” item showing the dates and times atwhich content stream data were accepted; a “starting date and time” itemshowing the date and time at which each content file was transferred tothe center system 4; a “content file name” item indicating content filenames; a “format” item indicating the formats of various encodingprocesses; a “content stream data name” item indicating the names ofcontent stream data; a “time” item showing the reproduction times ofgenerated content stream data; and a “size” item showing the data sizesof content stream data.

The file operation screen 307 includes another two buttons: a “selectall” button 372 that may be operated to check all the check boxes 371displayed under the “selection” item regarding all content stream data;and an “FTP upload” button 373 operated to upload to the moving picturedelivery server 25 the content stream data selected by checking any ofthe check boxes 371. Furthermore, the file operation screen 307 displaysdetailed information about the moving picture delivery server 25, i.e.,the upload destinations.

Using the file operation screen 307, the operator of the customer device2 may upload accepted content stream data to the moving picture deliveryserver 25. The operator may also change detailed settings of the uploaddestinations embraced by the moving picture delivery server 25.

FIG. 19 depicts a typical display of the order form assignment screen304. The order form assignment screen 304 also includes the buttonsranging from the “check progress” button 121 to the “logout” button 327.It should be noted that the “assign order forms” button 323 appearsinoperable on the order form assignment screen 304.

The order form assignment screen 304 shows in tabular form how orderform files are assigned to the format-specific areas 1 through 5 in thecustomer-specific area 115 allocated in the database 114 of the encodingsystem 24.

For example, an order form file named order form 1 and an order formfile named order form 3 are assigned to the format-specific areas 1 and2, respectively. This means that the content stream data generated inaccordance with the order form 1 are to be retained in theformat-specific area 1 and that the content stream data generated inkeeping with the order form 3 are to be held in the format-specific area2.

The order form assignment screen 304 includes pop-up buttons 381,“change assignment” buttons 382, and “modify order form” buttons 383.

The operator of the customer device 2 may operate any one of the pop-upbuttons 381 furnished alongside the order form names so as to get aplurality of order form file names displayed in pop-up fashion. When oneof the multiple form file names on display is selected and thecorresponding “change assignment” button 382 is operated, it is possibleto change the order form file assigned to the format-specific area ofinterest. Operating any one of the “modify order form” buttons 383executes transition to the order form setting screen 305 permittingmodification of the order form file in question.

FIG. 20 shows a typical display of the order form setting screen 305.The order form setting screen 305 also includes the buttons ranging fromthe “check progress” button 321 to the “logout” button 327. It should benoted that the “set order forms” button 324 appears inoperable on theorder form setting screen 305.

The order form setting screen 305 includes: a pop-up button 391 operatedto get a pop-up display of the names of order form files whose contentsare modified, so as to select one of the files; a “delete” button 392operable for deleting the selected order form file; a “prepare anew”button 393 for preparing an order form file anew; an input field 394 inwhich to enter a comment on the selected order form file; and a “savecomment” button 395 operated to save the content entered into the inputfield 394.

The order form setting screen 305 also has a field for displaying thename of a file containing various parameters for use in a preprocess,and a “change” button 396 operable for changing any of the parameters ofthe preprocess. Operating the “change” button 396 brings abouttransition to the encoding detail setting screen 308-1 permittingchanges in the parameters of the preprocess.

The order format setting screen 305 further includes: a pop-up button397 operated to get a pop-up display of formats so as to select one ofthem for encoding a content file; an “add new sub-profile” button 398operated to add the selected format to an order form file of interest; a“change” button 399 operated to change a sub-profile containing detailedparameters for encoding in the selected format; and a “delete” button400 operable for deleting the selected format from the order form fileof interest. Operating the “change” button 399 calls up the encodingdetail setting screens 308-2 through 308-7, which permit changes in thedetailed parameters for encoding in the selected format.

Using the order form setting screen 305, the operator of the customerdevice 2 may add or delete formats to or from the order form files.

FIG. 21 shows a typical display of the basic setting screen 306. Thebasic setting screen 306 also includes the buttons ranging from the“check progress” button 321 to the “logout” button 327. It should benoted that the “basic settings” button 325 appears inoperable on thebasic setting screen 306.

The basic setting screen 306 includes: an input field 421 in which toenter the currently used password for login; an input field 422 in whichto enter a new password; an input field 423 in which to enter the newpassword again; and a “change” button 424 operated to settle the changeto the newly entered password in the input fields 422 and 23. On theorder form setting screen 305, the operator of the customer device 2 canchange the password for login by making necessary entries into the inputfields 421 through 423 and operating the “change” button 424.

The basic setting screen 306 further displays: the currently registeredmail address at which to receive e-mails such as those indicating thatthe upload of content stream data is complete; an input field 422 inwhich to enter a new mail address; and a “change” button 426 operated tosettle the change to the mail address entered into the input field 425.Using the order form setting screen 305, the operator of the customerdevice 2 may change the e-mail address by making necessary entries intothe input field 425 and operating the “change” button 426. Then e-mailssuch as those indicating the completion of content stream data uploadare received at the newly established address.

The basic setting screen 306 further displays those destinations definedby format in the moving picture delivery server 25 to which generatedcontent stream data are uploaded. The operator of the customer device 2may change any of the upload destinations for the generated contentstream data in the moving picture delivery server 25 by overwriting theexisting indications as desired.

FIG. 22 depicts a typical display of the encoding detail setting screen308-1 that is called up when the “change” button 396 is operated on theorder form setting screen 305. The encoding detail setting screen 308-1displays the parameters for use in the preprocess. The operator of thecustomer device 2 may change any of the preprocess parameters byoverwriting the existing indications as desired.

FIG. 23 shows a typical display of the encoding detail setting screen308-2 that is called up when the “change” 399 button is operated on theorder form setting screen 305 with the Windows Media format (WM)selected as the sub-profile format. The encoding detail setting screen308-2 displays the parameters for encoding in Windows Media format. Theoperator of the customer device 2 may change any of the encodingparameters for the Windows Media format by overwriting the existingindications as desired.

FIG. 24 indicates a typical display of the encoding detail settingscreen 308-3 that is called up when the “change” button 399 is operatedon the order form setting screen 305 with the Real Media format selectedas the sub-profile format. The encoding detail setting screen 308-3displays the parameters for encoding in Real Media format. The operatorof the customer device 2 may change any of the encoding parameters forthe Real Media format by overwriting the existing indications asdesired.

FIG. 25 shows a typical display of the encoding detail setting screen308-4 that is called up when the “change” button 399 is operated on theorder form setting screen 305 with the Quick Time format selected as thesub-profile format. The encoding detail setting screen 308-4 displaysthe parameters for encoding in Quick Time format. The operator of thecustomer device 2 may change any of the encoding parameters for theQuick Time format by overwriting the existing indications as desired.

FIG. 26 depicts a typical display of the encoding detail setting screen308-5 that is called up when the “change” button 399 is operated on theorder form setting screen 305 with the Packet Video format selected asthe sub-profile format. The encoding detail setting screen 308-5displays the parameters for encoding in Packet Video format. Theoperator of the customer device 2 may change any of the encodingparameters for the Packet Video format by overwriting the existingindications as desired.

FIG. 27 indicates a typical display of the encoding detail settingscreen 308-6 that is called up when the “change” button 399 is operatedon the order form setting screen 305 with the ez movie format selectedas the sub-profile format. The encoding detail setting screen 308-6displays the parameters for encoding in ez movie format. The operator ofthe customer device 2 may change any of the encoding parameters for theez movie format by overwriting the existing indications as desired.

FIG. 28 indicates a typical display of the encoding detail settingscreen 308-7 that is called up when the “change” button 399 is operatedon the order form setting screen 305 with the i-motion format selectedas the sub-profile format. The encoding detail setting screen 308-7displays the parameters for encoding in i-motion format. The operator ofthe customer device 2 may change any of the encoding parameters for thei-motion format by overwriting the existing indications as desired.

On each of the encoding detail setting screens 308-2 through 308-6 inFIGS. 23 through 28, the encoding parameters on display for therespective formats are allowed to be changed. Alternatively, conceptualterms such as “picture quality first” or “movement first” may beestablished selectively in place of the encoding parameters describedabove.

For example, if the preference for picture quality is selected, thenrapidly-moving picture content data may be adjusted for a higher framerate in the encoding process, and slowly-moving picture content data maybe adjusted for a lower frame rate in the encoding process.

It is possible for the personal computer 12 in the customer device 2 togenerate content stream data by encoding into various formats thematerial data acquired by the capture device 11. However, such a setupwould require manning the customer device 2 with competent personnel andinstalling complicated software in the PC.

Given such requirements, it is preferred that the center system 4 bearranged to carry out the encoding process in each of the diverseformats. This arrangement minimizes the hardware, software, and humanresources required of the customer device 2, whereby content stream dataare delivered at an appreciably reduced cost.

Every time the customer device 2 gains access to the Web server 22, theWeb server 22 provides the customer device 2 with data necessary forpreparing an XML file (order form file) as described above. This makesit possible constantly to furnish the customer device 2 with up-to-datedata for order form preparation.

In that setup, the owner of the customer device 2 can deliver to theuser terminals 3 content stream data in the most recent formats atreduced overhead, hence at a reasonable price. Obviously, it is possibleto include the data for order form preparation into the softwareprovided by the center system 4 to the customer device 2. This, however,would require complicated procedures for updating the software.

The center system 4 acts as a surrogate of the customer device 2 indelivering content stream data to the user terminals 3 as described. Theowner of the center system 4 thus makes a profit by offering the ownersof multiple customer devices 2 the service of content stream datadelivery on a chargeable basis.

The series of processes described above may be executed either byhardware or by software. For software-based processing to take place,programs constituting the software may be either incorporated beforehandin dedicated hardware of a computer or installed upon use over a networkor from a suitable program storage medium into a general-purposepersonal computer or like equipment capable of executing diversefunctions.

As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the storage medium is offered to users apartfrom the computer not only as a package medium constituted by themagnetic disc 61 or 91 (including floppy discs); optical disc 62 or 92(including CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) and DVD (DigitalVersatile Disc)); magneto-optical disc 63 or 93 (including MD(Mini-Disc)); or semiconductor memory 64 or 94; but also in the form ofthe ROM 42 or hard disc units in the storage unit 48 containing theprograms and incorporated beforehand in the computer body.

In this specification, the steps, which are stored on a program storagemedium and which describe the programs to be executed, represent notonly the processes that are carried out in the depicted sequence (i.e.,on a time series basis) but also processes that are conducted parallellyor individually.

In this specification, the term “system” refers to an entireconfiguration made up of a plurality of component units and devices.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described and according to this invention, the owner of the customercan deliver content stream data always in up-to-date formats at reducedcost. The owner of the center system can secure contracts for thesurrogate service of content stream data delivery from a large number ofcustomer device owners, thus ensuring an enhanced level of capacityutilization at the center system owner's facility and delivering contentstream data at low cost. The numerous contrasts with the customer deviceowners will yield an appreciable profit for the center system owner.

According to the invention, the owner of the customer device is able todeliver content stream data with a minimum of manpower operating thenecessary equipment on a significantly reduced scale.

Freed from the need to acquire complex hardware in the inventive setup,the owner of the customer device finds it easier and much less expensivethan before to deliver content stream data to user terminals.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A server comprising: communicationcircuitry configured to provide instructions to a client terminal; and acontroller configured to: control the communication circuitry to receivecontent data from the client terminal, the content data being compressedaccording to the instructions performed by the client terminal, andprocess the received content data based on commands generated accordingto the instructions performed by the client terminal, the communicationcircuitry being further configured to transmit template instructions tothe client terminal, the template instructions including a formatindicating how the content data is to be processed, wherein the clientterminal is configured to transmit revised template instructions to theserver, the revised template instructions including an in point and anout point indicating a subset of the content data, the in point and outpoint being received by the client terminal according to a user input tothe client terminal, and the received content data being processed bythe server based on the revised template instructions such that contentdata before the in point and after the out point is not displayed. 2.The server according to claim 1, wherein the communication circuitrytransmits a computer file to the client terminal including theinstructions.
 3. The server according to claim 1, wherein the controllercontrols the communication circuitry to transmit the processed contentdata to a second client terminal by streaming the content data to thesecond client terminal.
 4. The server according to claim 1, furthercomprising: an encoder configured to encode the received content data.5. The server according to claim 1, wherein the controller storesinformation about editing points of the received content data, and thecontroller is configured to edit the received content data based on theinformation.
 6. The server according to claim 1, wherein the contentdata is compressed by a MPEG method according to the instructionsperformed by the client terminal.
 7. The server according to claim 1,wherein the communication circuitry is further configured to receivesecond instructions including markup language commands from the clientterminal.
 8. The server according to claim 1, wherein the controllerstores time information when making the received content data available,and the controller makes the processed content data available on networkbased on the time information.
 9. A terminal comprising: communicationcircuitry configured to receive first instructions from a server, thefirst instructions including template instructions, the templateinstructions including a format indicating how content data is to beprocessed; and a controller configured to execute the first instructionsto control the terminal, the controller, according to the executedinstructions, is configured to: compress the content data, receive an inpoint and an out point indicating a subset of the content data accordingto a user input to the terminal; generate second instructions forprocessing the content data at the server, the second instructionsincluding revised template instructions, the revised templateinstructions including the in point and the out point indicating thesubset of the content data, and the received content data beingprocessed by the server based on the revised template instructions suchthat content data before the in point and after the out point is notdisplayed, and transmit compressed content data and the secondinstructions to the server.
 10. The terminal according to claim 9,wherein the server transmits a computer file to the terminal as thefirst instructions.
 11. The terminal according to claim 10, wherein thecomputer file includes a software application.
 12. The terminalaccording to claim 9, wherein the controller generates a computer fileincluding the second instructions.
 13. The terminal according to claim12, wherein the computer file includes markup language commands.
 14. Theterminal according to claim 9, wherein the in point includes a timevalue in minutes and seconds of a start point of the subset with respectto a start point of a larger video content.
 15. A method, comprising:providing instructions to a client terminal; receiving, using circuitry,content data from the client terminal, the content data being compressedaccording to the instructions performed by the client terminal;processing, using the circuitry, the received content data based oncommands generated according to the instructions performed by the clientterminal; transmitting, using the circuitry, template instructions tothe client terminal, the template instructions including a formatindicating how the content data is to be processed; and receiving, usingthe circuitry, from the client terminal revised template instructions,the revised template instructions including an in point and an out pointindicating a subset of the content data, the in point and out pointbeing received by the client terminal according to a user input to theclient terminal, and the received content data being processed by theserver based on the revised template instructions such that content databefore the in point and after the out point is not displayed.
 16. Anon-transitory computer readable medium including computer readableinstructions that cause a server to perform a method comprising:providing instructions to a client terminal; receiving, using circuitry,content data from the client terminal, the content data being compressedaccording to the instructions performed by the client terminal;processing, using the circuitry, the received content data based oncommands generated according to the instructions performed by the clientterminal; transmitting, using the circuitry, template instructions tothe client terminal, the template instructions including a formatindicating how the content data is to be processed; and receiving, usingthe circuitry, from the client terminal revised template instructions,the revised template instructions including an in point and an out pointindicating a subset of the content data, the in point and out pointbeing received by the client terminal according to a user input to theclient terminal, and the received content data being processed by theserver based on the revised template instructions such that content databefore the in point and after the out point is not displayed.
 17. Amethod, comprising: receiving first instructions from a server, thefirst instructions including template instructions, the templateinstructions including a format indicating how content data is to beprocessed; and executing, using circuitry, the first instructions tocontrol a terminal; compressing, using the circuitry, the content data;receiving, using the circuitry, an in point and an out point indicatinga subset of the content data according to a user input to the terminal;generating, using the circuitry, second instructions for processing thecontent data at the server, the second instructions including revisedtemplate instructions, the revised template instructions including thein point and the out point indicating the subset of the content data,and the received content data being processed by the server based on therevised template instructions such that content data before the in pointand after the out point is not displayed; and transmitting, using thecircuitry, compressed content data and the second instructions to theserver.
 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium including computerreadable instructions that cause a terminal to perform a methodcomprising: receiving, using circuitry, first instructions from aserver, the first instructions including template instructions, thetemplate instructions including a format indicating how content data isto be processed; executing, using the circuitry, the first instructionsto control the terminal; compressing, using the circuitry, the contentdata; receiving, using the circuitry, an in point and an out pointindicating a subset of the content data according to a user input to theterminal; generating, using the circuitry, second instructions forprocessing the content data at the server, the second instructionsincluding revised template instructions, the revised templateinstructions including the in point and the out point indicating thesubset of the content data, and the received content data beingprocessed by the server based on the revised template instructions suchthat content data before the in point and after the out point is notdisplayed; and transmitting, using the circuitry, compressed contentdata and the second instructions to the server.